Qatar’s higher education sector has expanded significantly in recent decades and is part of the country’s effort to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Under the Qatar National Vision 2030, education and human development are central to the country’s long-term development plans.
This article provides general information about higher education in Qatar.
Types of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Qatar
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education lists public institutions, security and military institutions, Qatar Foundation and Education City universities, and private higher education institutions. The sections below summarize several of the study options available in Qatar.
1. University
Qatar has a diverse university sector that offers programs to local and international students. Qatar Foundation’s Education City is home to several prominent international branch campuses, including Georgetown University in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and Northwestern University in Qatar. These institutions provide internationally oriented education across a variety of academic disciplines, including business, artificial intelligence, computer science, international affairs, communication, and journalism.
2. Military Higher Education Institutions
Qatar’s official higher education listings include several security and military institutions. One is the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defense Studies, which includes the National Defense College, the Command and Staff College, and the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research. Another is the Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College, which offers bachelor’s and diploma programs alongside military training.
Assessment and grading policies vary by institution and program. Applicants should consult each institution’s current academic regulations rather than assume that all military higher education institutions use the same percentage, letter-grade, or performance-based assessment system.
3. Public Higher Education Institutions
Public higher education institutions in Qatar play an important role in preparing students to contribute to the country’s development. Qatar University, the country’s oldest and largest university, began with the establishment of its College of Education in 1973. Qatar University itself was established in 1977. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple fields.
Community College of Qatar, a public educational institution, offers two-year associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Its associate programs can prepare students to continue their studies at four-year universities, while several bachelor’s programs follow a 2+2 study plan.
4. Private Higher Education Institutions
Qatar also has a growing group of private higher education institutions. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education oversees the licensing of private institutions and their programs and establishes academic and operational standards. Its licensing framework is intended to encourage investment, diversify the higher education choices available in the country, and expand public-private partnerships.
Types of Degree Levels in Qatar
Higher education institutions in Qatar award qualifications at several levels, including certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral or professional degrees. The sections below focus on three common university degree levels:
1. Bachelor’s Degree
Qatar offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree programs in many fields of study. These degrees are offered by public and private institutions as well as international branch campuses. Public universities such as Qatar University provide undergraduate degrees in engineering, business, the humanities, and the sciences.
International branch campuses such as Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and Georgetown University in Qatar offer specialized programs. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar currently offers undergraduate programs in artificial intelligence, biological sciences, business administration, computer science, and information systems. Georgetown University in Qatar offers a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service with several available majors. Scholarship and financial aid eligibility varies by institution, program, nationality, financial need, and academic achievement.
2. Master’s Degree
Pursuing a master’s degree in Qatar gives students access to programs offered by institutions such as Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and HEC Paris in Qatar. Available fields include business, engineering, education, the humanities and social sciences, health and life sciences, and technology. Students should consult the institutions’ current graduate program listings and academic catalogs, as availability can change by admission cycle.
Students may study in internationally diverse campus environments and, in Education City, may have access to shared academic, research, and cross-registration opportunities. Facilities, industry connections, and career services vary by institution and program.
3. Doctoral Degree
Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University offer doctoral degrees in several fields. Qatar University offers Ph.D. and other doctoral programs, while Hamad Bin Khalifa University offers Ph.D. programs and advanced degrees such as the Doctor of Juridical Science. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar offers a six-year integrated medical program leading to the Cornell University Doctor of Medicine degree.
Qatar University offers a Ph.D. in Biological and Environmental Sciences. The program requires a minimum of 75 credit hours and is not available on a part-time basis. It prepares students for research and for academic or technical careers related to biological and environmental sciences.
The information provided here is intended to help you understand your options and pursue your preferred degree in Qatar. Choosing the right educational institution and degree can be a challenging but important decision. Before applying, review the current program, admissions, tuition, and funding information directly with the institution.
For more information about Qatar, we recommend visiting our Study in Qatar guide for articles and useful tips. If you are looking for study opportunities, our Available Programs for International Students!
